Summer Place Settings

Choose a bold fabric color for your napkins and top each plate with a fresh cut flower such as hydrangea. This look is great for indoors or outdoors.

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Cutting Back Your Guest List?

Budgets are tighter these days for weddings and all the things you grew up saying "when I get married I want..." have to be itemized and some things cut.

One way to help with costs are to cut 10 people off your list. By doing this you can save enough money to help with the costs of some of those items you want but can't afford.

Example:

Food and bar @ $60.00 per person = $600.00
Chair cover and sash @ $4.00 per person = $40.00
Centerpiece @ $60.00 per table = $60.00
Invitations @ $5.00 per invite = $50.00
Programs @ $2.00 per person = $20.00
Favors @ $4.00 per person = $40.00
Cake @ $5.00 per person = $50.00

Just what I have listed (and it still does not cover everything) can save you $860.00! The possibilities are endless when you take away just 10 guests (1 table).

Things to consider when you are deciding on who to cut....

When is the last time I spoke to or saw them?
Do I really need to invite all my friends?
Do all my co-workers really need to be invited?
They are just business acquaintances...

Some times you feel like you to have to invite everyone you come into contact with but you don't. It's your wedding and only people who you have constant contact with or you consider yourself to be close with need to come.

Happy Planning
{K}

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Stephen and Brittany Wedding

BEAUTIFUL Wedding in Seattle last August!! Brittany was so much fun to work with on her wedding. Although we did most of the planning with her in Virginia and me here, it was so much fun and beautiful.

The ceremony was held at Kubota Garden in South Seattle and we used AA Party Supply for all the rentals. Rebbeca with Perpetual Posies did all the flowers, and April with Cheeky Monkey Pics was the photographer. This paticular picture was taken during their grand entrance at The Mayflower Park Hotel by Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. The hotel was so easy to work with and made the planning with them simple.

See more pictures of this wedding on our gallery!

Also read Brittany's review about working with LLE on King 5's Best of Western WA!

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Reception Pictures

NEW pictures in the gallery of a reception I did at Lake Union Crew in Seattle.

The bride and groom were married on the beach in Hawaii and then held a great reception at the Lake Union Crew a couple weeks later. The flowers are from one of the great florists at Pike Place Market and the tea lights had little rocks like you see on the beach in the bottom.

The mother of the bride made ALL the food and they had small tart like desserts from Whole Foods instead of serving cake.

Check out more pictures in the LLE Gallery :)

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Colored Ties

Are you looking for colored ties for the groomsmen in your wedding? Want a color you can't find in most stores like tangerine or olive? Try TieBar!

They have over 500 ties all in-stock!! Check it out today!

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Splash of Color...On Your Feet

My favorite trend right now is colored shoes on the bride. I don't know what it is about that hidden splash of color that makes me so happy, but I know when I get married that one thing I want to do! There is nothing wrong with the traditional white or ivory shoe...but if you want a little edge or unexpected surprise, try a colored pair of shoes.

Here are a few I really like....

What do you think of splashin' your feet? Like the trend or stickin' to the white/ivory?

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Make Your Own Dessert Stands!

Lately I have seen a lot of events with boxes decorated and set up with different levels and different desserts on them. Got me thinking that you could totally make your own with butcher paper or wrapping paper to fit your event theme and save save save!

You can buy boxes or use shoe boxes ( just make sure they are in good condition) and wrap them up in a great print like and above and then wrap some 2" ribbon around the base, middle, or top.

I worked with a bride who make her own:

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Picnic Wedding

This past weekend I attended a housewarming party of one of my very close friends and her husband. Such a beautiful house and I am super happy for them and where they are in life. Anyhoo... while at the party I got to talking with one of her other friends mom, who I have met on and off through the past few years. They had both attended a wedding that afternoon for a family friend whose wedding had a picnic theme.

When I asked her about it she instantly pulled out the camera and started showing me pictures! Love when people do that!!! The wedding had a great Victorian and vintage look to it. From what I was told most of the people had hats on, and the brides dress looked handmade but was very pretty. The part that I thought really stood out was that the reception area was blankets with picnic baskets at each one with wine and bread. Such a cute idea!

This got me thinking that a picnic themed wedding would be great for a wedding on a farm or in a field. I found this picture on Ritsybee and found it very inspiring!

You don't have to do blankets if that isn't your style, but like in the picture some great picnic tables with your centerpieces and some great lanterns can really add ambiance and a nature feel to your day. For the right people... I also love the brown bag for your dinner! What a great original way to serve your guests. Anything that makes your wedding day stand out in your guests heads is amazing and brides who take risks are my favorite!

Think outside the box of what you see in magazines and on tv. Be you and be original!!!

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Wire Vases

These Small Contemporary Wire Vasesare adorable and great as favors or added decor for your centerpieces. They are easy to customize with colored ribbon to match your event and you can even tie on a small thank you card for your guests!

Great Find! For more ideas check out www.lillylynnevents.com

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Real Wedding: John and Jennifer Reception

The cupcakes were adorable mini ones in 4 flavors:
Chocolate with coconut on white frosting
Orange with orange flower on top
Chocolate with coffee flavored frosting
Lemon with lemon frosting

The orange pomanders that were on the pews in the church were used to top the vases with the silk daisy's and Calla Lillie's in them. Very classy and beautiful!

For more ideas visit www.lillylynnevents.com

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10 Most Important Things To Remember

1. Book everything in advance. In fact, you should be making bookings almost as soon as you've fixed the date for the wedding, particularly if you've chosen to tie the knot in May or June. This is because during “wedding season” all of the best caterers, photographers, and venues are busy and may not be able to accommodate any last minute bookings. Things you'll need to reserve in advance include the church, the reception venue, the hairdresser and bridal makeup artist, and the photographer. You'll also need to order the flowers, the wedding car, and the dresses.

2. Get help. Planning a wedding can be very complex, depending on how large the affair will be. Even if you're planning a small gathering of family and friends, there's still a lot to do, from creating the guest list and delivering invitations to reserving the venue and getting the dress ready. It's a lot for a young bride preparing for her first (and hopefully last) wedding to manage on her own, and can be equally hectic for those with prior experience. Whether it's the mother of the bride, the maid of honour, or a wedding planner, get as much help as you can with planning and arranging for the details.

3. Settle on a budget. Too many weddings leave the happy newlyweds near bankruptcy because they splashed more than they could afford on the trimmings of the wedding. Set a realistic budget, preferably budgeting for each expense individually, and stick to it religiously.

4. Select the rings. If you do this in advance, it gives you time to shop around for something you really like or to get the best prices on rings with detail. Even if you've settled on a plain gold band, be sure that the ring is sized and ready at least a day in advance.

5. Choose a dress from a store or a catalogue well in advance. Altering a dress to fit you or having one made from scratch can take months depending on the availability of the seamstress.

6. Choose the special wedding song that you and your spouse will dance to at the reception. Make it a song that has meaning to you as a couple.

7. Make the arrangements for the rehearsal dinner in much the same way that you would for the actual wedding.

8. Create a guest list with your fiancé and family according to your budget, factoring in the cost per head being charged by the venue.

9. Set up a wedding gift list at a number of stores or online retailers with items that can fit all budgets so that guests will know what things you need. This also reduces the likelihood of getting five toasters, three lamps, and so on.

10. Relax and enjoy it. The planning stages of the wedding are an important part of the wedding experience, and you will remember these days for the rest of your life. Unwind at the end of each day, and let it be an experience worth remembering.

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July DOC Special!

* Travel over 50 miles will be extra

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Vendor Spotlight: Wedding Paper Divas

Receive 25 FREE Thermography or Letterpress Products!

Place a minimum order of 75 of any William Arthur item and receive 25 additional pieces of that same item FREE. Just enter the promo code 25FREE during checkout. You will not see the additional 25 cards appear in your cart, but rest assured that we will include them in your final order. This promotion applies to all William Arthur items on Wedding Paper Divas.
For example, if you want to place an order for 100 wedding invitations, you should only order 75 units for that item and then enter the promo code on the checkout page. We will send you the extra 25 free wedding invitations in your final shipment, bringing your total order to 100 wedding invitations even though your cart only had 75 in it. If you want to order 100 wedding invitations AND 100 response cards, only order 75 wedding invitations and 75 response cards, and then enter the promo code on the checkout page. We will send you the extra 25 free wedding invitations AND response cards in your final shipment, bringing your total order to 100 wedding invitations and 100 response cards.

Please note that if you enter the promo code but do not qualify for the offer, you will not receive the 25 extra cards.

This offer expires at 11:59 pm (PT) on 4/15/09. Offer subject to change

WeddingPaperDivas.com
Letter Press Invitations
Unique Wedding Invitations
Thank You Notes
Thank You Cards

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DIY: Floating Candle Centerpieces

These days every bride is looking for ways to cut back and save money. Well here is one way you can do just that!

When creating your own centerpieces you don't have to go all out and spend tons of money to get an elegant and beautiful look. I like this particular one for spring and summer weddings.

You can get square vases at any local craft store. Most places will have a variety of heights so make sure to mix it up. If you want a more abstract look, get vases that are different shapes to intermix.

Next find the section in your craft store that had decorative rocks. In this picture they are a natural look, but again, don't be afraid to mix it up some with colors.

Floating candles you can purchase just about anywhere. This particular item you want to not buy the cheapest ones you can find. You want some that will last through the reception, so splurge a little on that item!

Lastly, the flowers. If you live in a smaller town like I do or near a small town that has a farmers market, that is a great place to get your flowers. Seems like anytime I buy flowers from them they last for a really long time! Roses or orchids are great for this look but the flowers are totally up to you.

Day of wedding:

1. Get Vases Ready
2. Place rocks in bottom of vase
3. Put some water in the vase
4. Place flower on the rocks and add water until vase is 2/3rds full
5. When placing candle in the water make sure it is low enough that the flame is not above the top of the vase

Whola! Beautiful and simple!

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Rainy Weddings

Let's face it, living in Seattle and planing outdoor weddings pose a high chance of rain! Not that rain can ruin your day if your prepared or embrace it like the bride below with her rain boots on.




Adrienne Maples Photography

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Beautiful Brooches

Beautiful red and clear oval rhinestone antique brooch. This one is from my personal collection that I just don't use anymore. Hardly worn in mint condition. 1.50" tall X 1" wide.Has all the sparkle and no staining on the rhinestones.
Etsy $35.00





ANTIQUE GREEN PIN. Beautiful and very dainty and petite. Is round and measures 3/4 of an inch wide. Nine gems all together. One large in the center and eight smaller ones surrounding it. Silver back. Great shape, everything there and working. Nice and clean. You'll love it.
Etsy $7.00


Lovely rhinestone pin, wear with a scarf, on a turtleneck or the lapel of your jacket. Excellent condition. Not a signed WEISS, but has an open back.Rounds, rectangles, and small stones, all sparkle.Slightly smaller then 2 inches in size.
Etsy $10.00

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Picking Your Ring

I remember when I was 18 and got engaged I was all about the biggest ring with the most bling! But now that I am older and looking back on the wedding that never happened and the ring I gave back, I am thinking that a smaller more petite ring will be more my style.

I always look at the engagement rings of my clients and most of them are a modest solitaire. Which is gorgeous and a classic look. Recently I have had my eye on the rings with a stone in the middle and little ones around it or some on the bands. But enough about the ring I am no where close to getting!

When you picking your ring, or giving hints to your boyfriend, make sure you pick one that fits your lifestyle. If you work in an office and your digging in files all day you don't want something that sticks far out and will get caught in the papers. It should also fit YOU! Nothing is less satisfying than seeing a casual girl with the big blingy rock on her hand. Not that she can't have it, but it just doesn't fit!

When your shopping for rings, look around. Just because you like it at one store doesn't mean you can't find one similar that might be better priced somewhere else.

Take your time and try them on...don't be in a hurry :)

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Good Buy: The Best Wedding Reception Ever

So I don't normally promote books about planning weddings or receptions since that I what I do! But, I saw this book and I know there are people out there who need some help and can't afford for a consultant or planner.

For those of you who want to plan from books, I found one that I really like! It's called The Best Wedding Reception...Ever! by Peter Merry
Here are some interesting stats about the book:
26 Chapters 208 Pages Over 75,000 Words 104 Photos9 Couple Profile pages featuring real couples and their unique agendas. 3.5 page Bibliography listing all sources for stats, quotes, and creative ideas. In Part III: "Adding Your Personal Style"You wil find 141 Creative ideas for personalizing your Reception and Ceremony.

You can purchase the book at www.thebestweddingreceptionever.com for $24.95

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Know how to Negotiate with your Vendors?

Even if you're working with the hottest vendor in town, there's always room to negotiate, especially if there's a good reason to reduce costs -- like having the wedding on a less-popular Friday night. Here are some more crucial pointers.

Know the market
Find out what other vendors offer for the same price point, and use this as leverage. Ask about every single thing that's included in your package. Then find out in advance what extras are going to cost -- and whether those costs can be waived.

Stick to your limit
A vendor may be willing to cut you a deal as long as you agree to something additional -- for example, he might consent to give you an extra hour of shooting, but only if you have him take your engagement photos. What you need to ask yourself is whether this will actually cost you more in the end.

Adopt a friendly but firm demeanor
There's no harm in politely asking for a deal. If vendors are excited to work with you, they may be more willing to come up with creative solutions.

Be indifferent
You need the vendor to believe that if he or she won't meet your offer you will walk away. Consider collaborating with your fiance to employ the old good-cop-bad-cop routine.

Practice makes perfect
Try your hand negotiating at a flea market to see what talking style works for you.

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~ GREAT ARRANGEMENTS ~

I love flowers! They are so pretty and so much can be done with them. These 3 fall in my top picks for spring weddings. Each one has a great look!

For the traditional wedding:


















This arrangement was done by Creative Concepts & Designs in Texas. I like the simplicity of the arrangement for a traditional wedding. Very clean cut and beautiful.

Higher end/ Fancy Wedding:




















This arrangement was done by Boston Blooms. With the richer tones and a Cala Lillies this just speaks of romance and sophisication!

Backyard/Garden Weddings:




















This arragement was shown on Good Housekeeping by using aromatic bells of Ireland in empty olive oil bottles. Great for outdoor weddings and weddings on a budget.

For more ideas or planning help click here

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